Archives for February 2, 2018

David Barrett, OC OBC (October 2, 1930 – February 2, 2018) – politician and social worker in BC – 26th Premier of British Columbia for three years between 1972 and 1975.

Barrett was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, the son of Rose (Hyatt) and Samuel Barrett.

His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants. He was first elected to British Columbia’s legislature in the 1960 election as a Co-operative Commonwealth Federation member for the electoral district of Dewdney. He had to fight to be allowed to run as he was a civil servant, as at the time government employees were barred from running for office.

He became known for his public speaking ability and held his seat through four elections. He ran for the provincial leadership of the NDP, but lost to Tom Berger. However, Berger lost the 1969 election, a contest that the NDP had been expected to win. He resigned, and there was a quick campaign to draft Barrett as party leader.

Barrett led the NDP to its first provincial victory against the stagnating Social Credit government of W. A. C. Bennett in the 1972 election. He became Premier on September 15, 1972.

The Barrett government substantially reformed the welfare system, initiated a number of reforms such as establishing the province’s Labour Relations Board, and expanded the public sector. The NDP also introduced more democracy into the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia through the introduction of question period and full Hansard transcripts of legislative proceedings in the province. The NDP also brought in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to protect the small supply of farm land in BC. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) was formed to provide government car insurance. Both the ALR and ICBC are still functioning. On social policy, in 1973, B.C. banned corporal punishment in all schools.

A Summerland man was arrested in Osoyoos by police  on Sunday January 28 , and is facing charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement.

The RCMP arrested the man following the report of criminality against a woman in the South Okanagan.

Police were contacted by a 22-year-old female who alleged that she had been forcibly confined Saturday eveing at a private residence and during this time had been sexually assault and threatened.

Efforts to locate the male involved neighbouring detachments with RCMP officers locating a suspect a short time later in Osoyoos. The man was arrested without incident.

This was not a random incident and the accused and victim knew each other.

On Monday, 23-year-old Aaron MacKenzie Motz of Summerland was charged with forcible confinement, sexual assault, assault and uttering threats in relation to this incident.

Motz made his first appearance in court and has been remanded into custody until his next court date February 7th

MVA at Hedley Friday – limited details

Roll-over near Ollala Friday – limited details – driver to hospital

Two trucks collided on the Keremeos to Princeton Hwy 3 Friday – Trucks travelling in opposite direction – no know injuries

Traffic delays at ANY accident scene.

Source – files from Black Press Digital
Special thanks to Tara Bowie  (Keremeos Review)  for photographs

Province announces $1.5 million in funding to combat overdose epidemic

Eighteen B.C. communities are set to receive funding for specialized “community action teams” to address the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic.

A day after the B.C. Coroners Service revealed that more than 1,400 people died of drug overdoses in 2017, B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy announced Thursday that the province was committing $1.5 million to the project.

“Each community action team will play a crucial role in targeting resources where they are needed most on the ground in their communities,” Darcy said in a news release. “This is critical to saving lives and connecting people to treatment and recovery.”

The province said the money aims to address the unsafe drug supply, provide “pro-active support,” and increase access to harm reduction materials and naloxone.

The communities set to receive funding are:

•Vancouver
•Richmond
•Powell River
•Surrey
•Langley
•Abbotsford
•Maple Ridge
•Chilliwack

•Victoria
•Campbell River
•Nanaimo
•Duncan
•Port Alberni

•Prince George
•Fort St John

•Kelowna
•Kamloops
•Vernon

Chris Mazurkewich, President and CEO of Interior Health at South Okanagan General Hospital Friday meeting staff, local elected officials, supporters like Oliver Kiwanis and the Hospital Auxiliary (Thift Shop).

Topic – Regional Hospital District funding for a 1 million dollar reno project for the Emergency Ward (ER). Mazurkewich says it is a crazy notion to think that the local hospital would ever close with the amount of money being spent on its maintenance and upgrades.

Topic – Opiod crisis – how many deaths in the Okanagan sub region? – In 2008 only 9 – in 2017 126

Mazurkewich agrees this is a poisoning situation but people are still taking the basic opiod because they are addicted – not really a choice issue. One success story is that people utilizing mobile clinics have not died. The bulk of deaths are in a private home with people not wanting to go to the health system for help. “The crisis, Mazurkewich says, is taking a toll with police, fire fighters, ambulance personal and nurses – some are seeing the same people over and over – the problem is 4 times as bad – compared to two years ago.”

He says “are we doing enough”. We need a whole new approach and if I had all the answers I would implement them immediately.”

Topic – What has IHA done to improve SOGH and the spirit of the staff – enhanced security, working on a nursing protocol that could result in more staff – there is now a 75% occupancy rate – lack of beds appears not to be a issue. He hopes to see a union/management joint study at a board meeting next week. Once renovations are made to the ER then that will really help. There has not been an ER closure in 9 months and IHA+Victoria and local doctors still working on pay equity issues.